The Universe: {The walls and ceiling are a deep, dark bur-gundy, giving a womb-like effect to the spacious room, and the floor is old, old varnished wood. There is a large wooden cross like an X fastened to the wall facing the door. It’s made of high-polished mahogany, and there are restraining cuffs on each corner. Above it is an expansive iron grid suspended from the ceiling, eight-foot square at least, and from it hang all manner of ropes, chains, and glinting shackles. By the door, two long, polished, ornately carved poles, like spindles from a banister but longer, hang like curtain rods across the wall. From them swing a startling assortment of paddles, whips, riding crops, and funny-looking feathery implements.

In the far corner is an oxblood leather padded bench, and fixed to the wall beside it is a wooden, polished rack that looks like a pool or billiard cue holder, but on closer inspection, it holds canes of varying lengths and widths. There’s a stout six-foot-long table in the opposite corner – polished wood with intricately carved legs – and two matching stools underneath. }

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The Universe:
{meanwhile, Ethan stops walking and round on Loch} Really? *Really*? You tell the *King* we’re talking about.. *that*?The Universe:
{Loch smirks, doesn’t even slow his step as he heads for the music room} And what were *you* gonna tell him, Ethan, that *didn’t* start with “uh.. well, I want on your woman but it’s bad idea so friend zoning myself was my grand plan”? {shakes his head} You’re friendzoned now, mother fucker. Now let’s go find her and try and let her know what we just told the king.The Universe:
{Tristan looks at Ethan} You were totally going to say something about how you told her she was like a sister to you for all very right reasons but *not* reasons you want the king to know.The Universe:
{Akhiro smiles at Ethan} Today, you’ve been your own worst enemy damn near every step of the way.The Cosmos:
{Izzy smiles} Only where that’s concerned.The Universe:
{Ethan looks at Izzy, smiles} It’s just one of those days were *almost* everything that can go wrong, has.The Cosmos:
{Izzy nods} I’ve had days like that.The Universe:
{Ethan nods} I don’t *usually*, but fuck, when it rains.The Cosmos:
{Saige smiles} Tomorrow it has to be better.

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The Universe:
{meanwhile, Edward and Alexei walk into the area where Phoenix is waiting}The Cosmos:
{Phoenix keeps her eyes on the dogs as she stands again}The Universe:
{Edward looks at her, quietly} The dogs aren’t for you. They’re to help clean up the mess. Phoenix, this is Alexei. He’s going to be caring for you now. Alexei is the head of our household staff and a Revenant. Alexei, this is Phoenix DeSaetan.The Universe:
{Alexei smiles, bows slightly } It is nice to meet you.

The Cosmos:
{Phoenix looks over at Edward while he speaks} Thank you, Edward. {looks at Alexei} It’s an honor to meet you, Alexei. {looks at her hands} I’d offer you a hand, but….{shakes her head}The Universe:
{Alexei nods} I understand. We will take care of that. I will be taking you somewhere so that you may clean up and we will find you something appropriate to wear. I understand you are one of the former residents. I can take you to your former room.

The Cosmos: {Phoenix quietly} My former room was off the servant’s quarters. {looks at them} The small room at the back. The larger apartments were relegated to the vampires and the families. I hadn’t…proven myself yet.The Universe:
{Alexei nods} Well.. then I am afraid it is no longer available. We will have to put you somewhere more appropriate. The ghouls reside in the servant’s quarters.The Universe:
{Edward looks at her} I’m going to leave you now, but I’ll see you again in the throne room.The Cosmos:
{Phoenix looks at Edward} Thank you. For everything.The Universe:
{Edward smiles} You’re welcome. I’ll see you soon. {heads out of the room}

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The Cosmos:
{Camille looks at David} Music or sleep.The Universe:
{David looks at Camille, smiles} You gonna watch me while I do that, too?The Cosmos:
{Camille nods and smiles} Yes actually I am.The Cosmos:
{Bree whispers to Loch} She takes him to her room we can search for hidden bottles.The Universe:
{David smiles wickedly} You gonna sleep *with* me?The Universe:
{Loch nods to Bree, whispers} When’s he had time to stash any? He was too drunk last night and didn’t even know where he lived.The Cosmos:
{Camille shakes her head} Nope. Not until you don’t smell like a distillery.The Cosmos:
{Bree nods} True.The Universe:
{David looks at her for a second, nods} Right. Kinda thought the shower I took this mornin’ took care of that. {pulls his drumsticks out of his back pocket} That’s all right, though, because I wasn’t plannin’ on goin’ back to bed anyway.The Universe:
{Ethan looks at David} You ready to go? We can fuck around til everyone else gets there.The Cosmos:
{Camille nods} The shower didn’t take care of the four cups you had this morning.The Universe:
{David nods, twirls one of the sticks through his fingers} Let’s do it.The Universe:
{David stands, looks at Camille} Yeah, well..neither did you.The Universe:
{Ethan looks at Eden} I’ll see you later?The Cosmos:
{Camille arches her brow} No I didn’t and that was my bad.. .I’m doing what I can *now*.The Cosmos:
{Eden looks at Ethan} Yeah.The Cosmos:
{Izzy smiles} I’m gonna go see who’s trucks got here.The Universe:
{Ethan looks at Izzy, smiles} Keep me informed. I’m going to get David to his drum set so he can remember why he gets up every morning.The Cosmos:
{Izzy nods and smiles} I totally will.The Cosmos:
{Camille stands, As do Izzy and Nikki, Nikki to Izzy} I’ll come with you.The Universe:
{Ethan grabs David by the shoulder, smiles at Camille} Breakfast was really good, thank you. He’ll thank you later. {pulls David toward the door}The Cosmos:
{Camille looks at Ethan and nods} I’ll be in, in a few.The Cosmos:
{Emily goes to the kitchen as Izzy and Nikki head out}The Universe:
{Brennan and Van watch Ethan drag David out}The Cosmos:
{Camille shakes her head, mutters something in Italian}The Universe:
{Loch looks at Camille} You’re not expectin’ it to be easy, are ya?The Cosmos:
{Camille looks at Loch, pushes her hair behind one ear} No. I’m not. But I intend to fight him every step of the way if I have to.The Universe:
{Loch nods} I’ll be there with you. My dad was an alchy.The Cosmos:
{Camille nods} Had a brother that was. He ended up hating me. {softly} He also ended up dead.The Universe:
{Loch nods} My old man ended up dead, too.The Cosmos:
{Camille looks at Loch} I’m sorry.The Universe:
{Loch shrugs} It happens. And I really don’t need sympathy, so don’t worry about givin’ it to me.The Cosmos:
{Camille nods} It wasn’t… {shakes her head} Yeah..okay.. anyway.. I’m going to head to the music room and make sure he hates me enough.The Universe:
{Loch smiles} We’ll come with you.The Universe:
{Loch shrugs} He can spread the hate around.The Cosmos:
{Bree nods} Yes we will. {Camille smiles} Let’s do it then. {heads for the door}The Universe:
{Loch follows Bree}

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The Cosmos:
{Mia looks at Jace} Wonder who had *that*?The Universe:
{Alexei walks back to his seat. sits down, whispers to Mia} Aiden, Samuel and Roland.The Universe:
{Jace looks at Alexei, arches a brow, whispers} Aiden and Samuel I can see, but *Ro*?The Cosmos:
{Mia blinks, whispers} Ro…Seriously?The Universe:
{Alexei nods, whispers} Gabriel is going back over his bank records. The collections are vastly different. Aiden and Samuel have primarily hand guns. Roland, however, has a slightly more vast array including but not limited to Katanas.The Universe:
{Alexei whispers} Aiden and Samuel also do not have silencers or padded cases for their weapons.

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The Cosmos:
{Chloe nods} *Totally*. And I don’t even know *how* he could *do* that.The Universe:
{Gabe looks at her pointedly} We’re talking about *Seth*. The *cannibal*.. *and*.. former porn actor. Have you *seen* his porn?The Universe:
{Gabe shakes his head} There’s stuff in there I couldn’t even finish watching.The Cosmos:
{Chloe shakes her head} I haven’t seen his porn. Still.. Ew. {smiles at Ethan and Conrad as they approach}The Universe:
{Gabe nods} Totally ew.The Universe:
{Conrad and Ethan smile, Ethan} What’s up?

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The Universe:
{while Loch is exploring Bree’s body and piercings, Tristan and Christopher are in the music room playing with Ethan and a very wasted David}The Cosmos:
{Chloe watches the boys play. Heather sits next to her on the couch listening, Aubrey dances around}The Universe:
{Ethan sings and plays lead while Christopher backs him on the rhythm, David plays like tomorrow’s never gonna come}
“No” is a dirty word,
Never gonna say it first,
“No” is just a thought that never crosses my mind.
Maybe in the parking lot,
Better bring your friend along,
Better off together than just one at a time.

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The Universe:
{meanwhile in Genja’s room}The Universe:
{Genja reaches over and places a hand on Eden’s knee as he pushes himself into a sitting position}The Cosmos:
{Eden startles and scrambles to her feet, quietly} I’m sorry sir…The Universe:
{Genja looks over at her} Why are you sorry?The Cosmos:
{Eden looks at him} For falling asleep in your bed and intruding on your privacy at all.The Universe:
{Genja shakes his head} It’s fine. I don’t mind it, really.The Universe:
{Genja looks at her} But since you’ve brought it up.. what’s wrong?The Cosmos:
{Eden shakes her head} Nothing.. I just wanted to get to talk to you before.. my.. watchdog.The Universe:
{Genja smiles} Watchdog? I assume you mean Ava. What is she going to tell me that you felt you should explain first?The Cosmos:
{Eden looks over at him} That I was flirting with the guys in the band.. specifically Loch and Ethan.The Universe:
{Genja looks at her} To what end?The Cosmos:
{Eden shook her head} No end. It was just… we were playing together and everyone said that the song Ethan and I were singing we couldn’t ever sing again because there was no way people wouldn’t believe we weren’t fucking if we did. {softly} Ethan and Loch both know that I belong to you and they won’t do anything because of that. I mean they won’t even be alone with me. and neither will Mia for that matter so apparently it goes through everyone. Oh and Van and Roland went off on Saige at breakfast.

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You better love loving and you better behaveYou better love loving and you better behaveWoman in ChainsWoman in ChainsCalls her man the Great White HopeSays she’s fine, she’ll always copeWoman in ChainsWoman in Chains

Eden felt the shift when Loch left the music room. It felt as if someone had sucked all the air out of the room, like everything had deflated. Conversations went flat and the music didn’t grab her. Oh and Ava was there too putting a damper on things with her babysitting. Eden saw her walk in all quiet confidence and soft-spoken. Ava, who would no doubt run to Genja and tattle that Eden, gasp, was having fun with the group of guys in the music room and was flirting and being inappropriate. Well Eden was going to beat her to that punch.

She’d slipped out of the music room after talking briefly to Ethan. She all but ran through the halls back to the apartment, she didn’t want to be stopped on the way. She did see Mia sitting on the floor feeding the puppy again. She stopped long enough to watch for a moment and ask if she’d named him yet. Mia looked up and answered tersely before going back to her task. “Christ”, Eden thought, “Even the women don’t want to be seen talking to me alone.” She resumed her walk, if not her speed.

Well I feel lying and waiting is a poor man’s dealAnd I feel hopelessly weighed down by your eyes of steelIt’s a world gone crazyKeeps Woman in ChainsTrades her soul as skin and bonesSells the only thing she ownsWoman in ChainsWoman in Chains Men of StoneMen of Stone

Eden got back to the apartment and found it empty. Alexei had made his rounds already, and Ava was still in the music room. She went to her room where she lay the Violin on the bed and got undressed. Wrapping herself in a robe and laying out clothes she went to the bathroom and ran a hot bath. She added some scents and sank up to her chin in the hot water. Her thoughts moved to Ethan and Loch. She knew they were only looking out for her and that they didn’t want to see her get hurt. That alone meant a lot to her, still it also brought other things to the front of her mind. She was Genja’s. She’d never be anyone elses. She’d never have a family, never be able to *really* be friends with anyone. Because no one would be alone with her. ON the upside if she played her cards right she *might* be able to get under *his* skin. If she could there’d be no stopping her. She knew what it was to have power. She hungered for it, craved it even. And Genja and Ava might be able to bend her but they’d *never* break her. She was too stubborn for that. Eden smiled as she climbed from the tub a long time later, thinking about how she could be the power behind the throne. She knew Genja wouldn’t see it as her wanting to help, so she’d have to be careful about how she did it. She dressed in a simple pair of plaid pajama bottoms and a tank top, leaving her face clean and her hair braided, she went to Genja’s door.

Well I feel deep in your heart there are wounds Time can’t healAnd I feel somebody somewhere is trying to breatheWell you know what I meanIt’s a world gone crazyKeeps Woman in ChainsIt’s under my skin but out of my handsI’ll tear it apart but I won’t understandI will not accept the Greatness of ManIt’s a world gone crazyKeeps Woman in Chains

Eden crept into Genja’s room and whispered softly, “It’s me, everything’s okay.” She walked over and sat on the edge of the bed where she sat on the edge, brushed the hair from his face and whispered softly, “I just…Everything’s okay.” She put the violin to her chin and began playing softly, her bow moved slowly over the strings making the violin a mere whisper of sound in the room. She started with a fugue in a minor key, melancholy and dirge like. When she finished that she moved into an unplugged version of Down and Out, that was slower and less driving. She continued to play and sing through out the day, missing lunch, as she waited for him to come around. She wasn’t even sure he was aware of her presence, as she not only played but spoke to him as well, about everything but herself. She played more interspersing classical with rock and rock with nursery rhymes. She was working her way through Woman in Chains when it hit her with enough force to knock the breath from her, *she* was that woman. Eden hoped he didn’t hear the catch in her voice as she sang. The chain might not be physical, but it led right her to this man, this vampire. Eden realized she was tethered to him for.. well ever, or at least until he got bored with her. The thing that surprised her *most* was that she, upon closer examination of her initial feelings, didn’t mind it so much. This realization put a different spin on things. While she really did like Loch and Ethan, even David and some of the other boys, she didn’t belong to them. They didn’t let the fact that she was 18 bother them. What did seem to bother them was that she was willing to put herself in compromising situations, and they weren’t going to have that at. all. It boiled down to, she wasn’t *theirs*. It didn’t matter what she did not anymore, she wore the kings mark on her, and she would be his. She wore his chains in a place no one would ever see, yet somehow warned other’s to stay away. The song ended and Eden stopped playing, she lay her bow and violin on the table and lay across the foot of the bed, falling asleep like a dog at its master’s feet.

So Free HerSo Free Her

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Category: Vampires | Comments Off on Hopelessly Weighed Down by Your Eyes of Steel

The Cosmos:
{Eden smiles} Public area. Would you take me to *your* room?The Universe:
{Ethan smiles} Probably not. Would you take me to yours?The Cosmos:
{Eden smiles} Yes actually I would.The Universe:
{Ethan laughs}The Cosmos:
{Eden smiles} My room is next to the kings and he can hear everything.The Universe:
{Ethan smiles} Yeah, well, mine is next to Chloe and David and Conrad and Conrad is probably the only one anyone might even half way trust.The Cosmos:
{Eden looks over at him} Your room isn’t safe?The Universe:
{Ethan frowns} Well.. of course it is. I mean.. you’d be safe from *me*, but.. it goes back to that what everyone else would believe thing.The Cosmos:
{Eden nods} Yeah.. I know.